Armpit Fungus: Causes, Symptoms And Treatments

Armpit fungus is referred to a skin condition affecting axilla (armpit) as a result of ringworm infection. The affected area of skin under armpit becomes itchy, inflamed and dark. Armpit fungus, like any other fungal infection occurring on other parts of body, can persist for a long time due to increase in moisture content with sweating, warmthness as a result of body heat and dimmed light and cloth cover.

What Causes Armpit Fungus?

The skin mold or dermatophyte consuming the superficial skin layers, leads to an armpit fungus. Skin mold, in medical term, is called tinea infection while tinea axillaries are referred to the fungal infection occurring in armpit.In many cases armpit fungal infection is not confined to armpit; rather it affects the skin surrounding armpit and this condition is referred to tinea corporis. It may also occur due to skin yeast.

While skin fungi are responsible for occurrence of armpit fungus, the other predisposing factors may lead to infection, causing breaks in skin. Ampit fungus may also occur due to local conditions. In the beginning such conditions may lead to rash in armpit which may subsequently turn into fungal infection.

Armpit fungus in many cases is seen to appear due to secondary spread with transfer of fungal strands or spores from other body portions as a result of scratch on skin with use of fingers or towels subsequent to bathing.

Signs and Symptoms

Armpit fungus often causes itching and burning sensation under the arms as a result of too much of scratching or damage with the use of fingernails. Flakes or skin specks can be visible on the cloth after its use in scratching.The underarm skin turns dark. Armpit fungus causes musty body order.

How to get rid of armpit fungus?

Armpit fungus can be treated in same way as fungal infection in other skin areas.

Application of topical antifungal creams on affected skin for minimum 4 weeks can be useful in eradication of skin fungus. You can also use topical gels or lotions. Oral antifungal is needed in severe cases in which skin fungus exists persistently. In case of presence of skin rash, you may consider applying corticosteroid for reducing inflammation and easing itching.

In case any scented product causes skin rash, you must discontinue it. You can use antifungal powder to reduce sweat in the affected area. Always wear lose cloth so as to ensure appropriate ventilation into the affected skin area. Do not scratch the affected area with fingernail.